Dear Friends of Gracie

Dear Friends of Gracie,

Re: Benita Grace Brown - Benita's College Fund — NC 529 College Savings Plan

We are happy to share that Gracie, whose legal name is Benita, is doing very well. Benita means "blessed" which is appropriate as she continues to be blessed by the outpouring of prayers, and gifts of love and support from her community family.

As a brief update, Gracie had another hip surgery in early August to remove the plates from her hips. As her mom shared, "It was a relatively easy procedure, taking only about an hour. She is going through recovery and welcomes and appreciates your get-well cards." Cards can be sent to Friedens Lutheran Church where they will be forwarded to Gracie. The address is Friedens Lutheran Church, 6001 NC 61 North, Gibsonville, NC 27249.

Gracie continues to grow and thrive. She is now ten and a half and entering the fifth grade. With her continued growth it is evident that an adjustment is needed to fund her future educational needs. This has led her family to transfer some funds from her "Go Fund Me Account" for the creation of an "NC 529 National Savings Plan."

A "529 Plan" is a special tax advantaged account with the specific purpose of helping Gracie save money for her education. Future withdrawals from the plan will be used for qualified college expenses, to include room and board and book supplies at any public or private college, university or vocational school in the United States. The plan can also be used for expenses at K-12, public, private and religious schools. All qualified withdrawals are tax free.

There is no limit to who can contribute to the Plan. Immediate family, extended family, and especially those to whom she isn't related can contribute to this Plan designed to help Gracie prepare for the expenses associated with her education.

Gracie's family understands the importance of this change and hopes that the special support Gracie has enjoyed from the community will continue. Your contributions to her NC 529 College Savings Plan are, like her name, a blessing.

Directions for supporting Gracie's College Savings Plan are:

To support her by Credit/Debit Card or Bank Draft contributions: Go to: Backer.com/benitascollegefund

Enter: Amount -- Click Contribute -- Optional Message

(Can Alter or skip) -- Bank or Card (click & complete) -- Contribute.

To support her by check :

Include on the check memo line: Benita Grace Brown 540695817-001 Mail To:

College Foundation of NC, 2917 Highwoods Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27604

Thank you everyone for being part of the outpouring of prayers and gifts of support for Gracie.

Friends of Gracie